Monochorionic Twins: The Psychology of Shared Identity
Introduction
Monochorionic twins, also known as monozygotic twins, are a type of twin pregnancy in which both babies share a single placenta. This type of twin pregnancy occurs when one egg is fertilized in the uterus, but then splits into two embryos. As a result, the twins share the same amniotic sac and placenta, which can cause a variety of complications during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss the risks associated with monochorionic twin pregnancies and the prenatal care needed to ensure the health of both babies.
Risks
Monochorionic twins are at greater risk for a variety of complications than fraternal twins, who share only the uterus and have their own placentas. The most common complication is twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This occurs when the shared placenta contains abnormal blood vessels, allowing one twin to receive too much of the nutrients and the other twin to receive too little. This can cause a variety of health problems for both twins, including growth restriction, anaemia, heart failure, and even stillbirth. Other risks associated with monochorionic twins include preterm birth, preeclampsia, and placental abruption.
Prenatal Care
Expectant mothers carrying monochorionic twins should seek prenatal care from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible. Ultrasounds should be scheduled every two to four weeks to monitor the growth and health of the twins. In some cases, a procedure called fetoscopic laser photocoagulation may be necessary to treat TTTS. In this procedure, a laser is used to seal off the abnormal blood vessels in the shared placenta. This procedure can be used to reduce the risk of complications associated with TTTS.
Conclusion
Monochorionic twins are a type of twin pregnancy in which both babies share a single placenta. This type of twin pregnancy carries an increased risk of complications, including twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. Expectant mothers should seek prenatal care from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible to ensure the health and wellbeing of both babies.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2018). Monochorionic twins. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Monochorionic-Twins
Lam, F., & Nicolaides, K. (2012). Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 39(2), 149-160. doi:10.1002/uog.11162
Mayo Clinic. (2017). Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/twin-to-twin-transfusion-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20375250
